Learning Disabilities

By Nurse Diane

Albert Einstein is probably one of the most well known brilliant minds in history.  Did you know that he had a bad memory and a constant failure to memorize the simplest of things? He would not remember the months in the year yet he would succeed in solving some of the most complicated mathematical formulas of the time without any trouble. He may have never learned how to properly tie his shoelaces but his scientific contributions and theories still have a major effect on all of todays current knowledge of science.

He, along with other people such as Alexander Graham Bell, Winston Churchill, Woodrow Wilson, General George Patton, Cher, Tom Cruise, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison and many others suffered from a learning disablilty called Dyslexia.  Dyslexia is a lifelong challenge. This language-based processing disorder can hinder reading, writing, spelling, and sometimes even speaking. Dyslexia is not a sign of poor intelligence or laziness or the result of impaired hearing or vision. Children and adults with dyslexia have a neurological disorder that causes their brains to process and interpret information differently.

Another learning disorder is called Dyscalculia, problems with math.  Another disorder, Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting, and putting thoughts on paper. People with dysgraphia might have trouble organizing letters, numbers, and words on a line or page.     

Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects motor skill development. People with dyspraxia have trouble planning and completing fine motor tasks. This can vary from simple motor tasks such as waving goodbye to more complex tasks like brushing teeth. It is not a learning disability (LD) but often coexists with other LD’s and conditions that impact learning.

This month is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. To learn more about learning disabilities, and ways for you to help, click on the site for the National Center of Learning Disabilities http://www.ncld.org/.

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Read to your Child Day – and Every Day

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By Diane Forrest

When my son was born, the first piece of advice she gave me was to read to him every day.  Well I took her advice, and not only did he excel in school, but 25 years later he still reads!  I read somewhere that you should read to your child 20 minutes every day...well I never put a time limit on reading.  I wanted him to enjoy books, and I would read to him for as long as he wanted, and he would usually want to read.  I would take him to the library and check out at least 25 books at a time, sometimes he got the same books over and over again.    And as he got older, he started reading the books to me.

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I continued the reading tradition with my stepson's children.  They always got their kids toys for birthdays and Christmas, and were always complaining about running out of room, so I would send books to them, starting out with a children's Bible, and continuing with the classics.  In today's world, people are so busy with extracurricular activities, technology such as computers, video games, and television, that sometimes, just snuggling up on a couch, or tucking a child in bed at night, books are sometimes overlooked.  Reading with your child will not only form a special bond with them but will also expand their knowledge and vocabulary, and learning skills.

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So today, if you have a child, take some time and read to them, if you aren't around any children, send some books to them and encourage their parents to read to them.  One of my stepson's favorite gifts from my husband is the recordable book my husband made before he passed away.  He read the night before Christmas for his grandson, and he listened to it nightly.

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Read to your child today, and start the roadwork for a brighter future.

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Diabetes Education Week – 2012 Update

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By Terry Orr

I am a Type-2 Diabetic – non-insulin and have been for nearly twenty years and I am still learning more and more about this disease and complications from diabetes. Today’s article focuses on two primary areas – Managing Diabetes and good references/links for excellent education information and support.

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Managing Diabetes - It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) website provides a wealth of excellent information on diabetes.  Diabetes Education Materials for People with Diabetes and their Families:

• 4 Steps to Control Your Diabetes - For Life;
• Know Your Blood Sugar Numbers;
• Help a Loved One with Diabetes; and
• “A Guide to Changing Habits.”

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Step 1: Learn about diabetes.

Diabetes means that your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high. There are two main types of diabetes.

• Type 1 diabetes - the body does not make insulin. Insulin helps the body use glucose from food for energy. People with type 1 need to take insulin every day.
• Type 2 diabetes - the body does not make or use insulin well. People with type 2 often need to take pills or insulin. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes.
• Gestational (jes-TAY-shon-al) diabetes - occurs in some women when they become pregnant. It raises her future risk of developing diabetes, mostly type 2. It may raise her child's risk of being overweight and developing type 2 diabetes.

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Step 2: Know your diabetes ABCs.

Talk to your health care team about how to manage your A1C, Blood pressure, and Cholesterol. This can help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems. Here's what the ABCs of diabetes stand for:

A for the A1C test (A-one-C).

• It shows what your blood glucose has been over the last three months. The A1C goal for many people is below 7. High blood glucose can harm your heart and blood vessels, kidneys, feet, and eyes.

B for Blood pressure.

• The goal for most people with diabetes is below 130/80.
• High blood pressure makes your heart work too hard. It can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

C for Cholesterol (ko-LES-ter-ol).

• The LDL goal for people with diabetes is below 100.
• The HDL goal for men with diabetes is above 40.
• The HDL goal for women with diabetes is about 50.

LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels. It can cause a heart attack or a stroke. HDL or “good” cholesterol helps remove cholesterol from your blood vessels.

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Step 3: Manage your diabetes.

Many people avoid the long-term problems of diabetes by taking good care of themselves. Work with your health care team to reach your ABC target. Use this self-care plan.

• Follow your diabetes meal plan. If you do not have one, ask your health care team to help you develop a meal plan.
• Eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, chicken or turkey without the skin, dry peas or beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.
• Keep fish and lean meat and poultry portions to about 3 ounces (or the size of a deck of cards). Bake, broil, or grill it.
• Eat foods that have less fat and salt.
• Eat foods with more fiber such as whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta.
• Get 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Brisk walking is a great way to move more.
• Stay at a healthy weight by using your meal plan and moving more.
• Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, member of the clergy, friend, or family member who will listen to your concerns may help you feel better.
• Learn to cope with stress. Stress can raise your blood glucose. While it is hard to remove stress from your life, you can learn to handle it. NDEP's Diabetes HealthSense provides online access to resources that support people with diabetes in making changes to live well.
• Stop smoking. Ask for help to quit. Call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669)
• Take medicines even when you feel good. Ask your doctor if you need aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects.
• Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Call your health care team right away about any sores that do not go away.
• Brush your teeth and floss every day to avoid problems with your mouth, teeth, or gums
• Check your blood glucose. You may want to test it one or more times a day. Use the card at the back of this booklet to keep a record of your blood glucose numbers. Be sure to show it to your health care team.
• Check your blood pressure if your doctor advises.
• Report any changes in your eyesight to your health care team.

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Step 4: Get routine care.

See your health care team at least twice a year to find and treat any problems early.

At each visit be sure you have a:

• Blood pressure check
• Foot check
• Weight check
• Review of your self-care plan shown in Step 3

Two times each year have an:

• A1C test - it may be checked more often if it is over 7

Once each year be sure you have a:

• Cholesterol test
• Triglyceride (try-GLISS-er-ide) test - a type of blood fat
• Complete foot exam
• Dental exam to check teeth and gums - tell your dentist you have diabetes
• Dilated eye exam to check for eye problems
• Flu shot
• Urine and a blood test to check for kidney problems

At least once get a:

• Pneumonia (nu-mo-nya) shot
• Hepatitis B shot

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For those of us who have smartphones – I strongly recommend getting on of the many diabetes apps.  They come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, colors, and capabilities!  I have been using Diabetes Buddy on my iPhone for the past year or so – good app – but I am still looking for one that suits my specific needs.  Every couple of months, I begin my research looking for “that app” which may satisfy my needs. One feature that you should insist on is the ability to email those results to y our medial team.  Some automatically do so monthly – nice feature and many doctors appreciate getting the email and enter into your medical record.

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References and Links:

• http://ndep.nih.gov/partners-community-organization/campaigns/CydflManagingDiabetes.aspx
• http://www.cdc.gov/DIABETES/ndep/
• http://diabetesandmetabolism.com/
• http://www.galenmedical.com/www/docs/127.44/diabetes-education-chattanooga-tennessee
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003996.htm

International Literacy Day – Literacy and Peace

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By Terry Orr

“Education brings sustainability to all the development goals, and literacy is the foundation of all learning. It provides individuals with the skills to understand the world and shape it, to participate in democratic processes and have a voice, and also to strengthen their cultural identity. “

Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General

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Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy.

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Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy. There are good reasons why literacy is at the core of Education for All (EFA).

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A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. ~ Chinese Proverb

A good quality basic education equips pupils with literacy skills for life and further learning; literate parents are more likely to send their children to school; literate people are better able to access continuing educational opportunities; and literate societies are better geared to meet pressing development.

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According to International Reading Association, more than 780 million of the world’s adults (nearly two-thirds of whom are women) do not know how to read or write, and between 94 and 115 million children lack access to education.

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No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance. ~ Confucius

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Things we can do to help:

• Read a book to a child
• Have a child read a book to an adult
• Take a professional development course
• Join a social media platform – Linked In, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• Write a letter to an old friend – the snail mail way!
• Share this list with friends and coworkers – and dare them to take the challenge!
• Play a game of Scrabble
• Look up and learn a new word (and continue to do so every day for a month!)
• Use a new form of technology (Smartphone, self‐serve checkout, etc.)

“Never be entirely idle; but either be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or endeavoring something for the public good.” ~ Thomas a Kempis (1380 - 1471)

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I cannot live without books. ~ Thomas Jefferson

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A library is a hospital for the mind. ~ Anonymous

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There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island. ~ Walt Disney

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References and Links:

http://www.reading.org/general/conferences/InternationalLiteracyDay.aspx

http://www.unesco.org/new/en/

http://www.bookaid.org/get-involved/events/international-literacy-day/

http://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2012/12-156.html

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National Children's Vision & Learning Month

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By Terry Orr

I was 19, in the Navy, at my first duty station in Jacksonville, Florida when it was discovered the need for glasses.  Learning challenges were thought to be my inability to stay still and concentrate on things for very long (later in life learned about ADD), my vision issue might also have contributed.

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From the College of Optometrists in Vision Development: This August marks the seventh annual observance of the vital role vision plays in academic success. The message is simple: when children continue to struggle with reading despite all best efforts to help, vision disorders are often lurking below everyone's radar.

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While most schools assume they have ruled out vision problems by performing cursory vision screenings, vision screenings only detect approximately 5% of actual vision problems. Screenings have missed serious vision problems, such as Amblyopia (often referred to as lazy eye), as well as eye coordination problems such as convergence insufficiency.

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Current research shows that vision problems afflict millions of American children and thereby impact their ability to learn:

• One in four school-age children has vision problems, according to the American Foundation in Vision Awareness
• 18 million children will not have had eye examinations by a Doctor of Optometry or other certified vision care professional prior to entering school
• 60 percent of students identified as “problem learners” have undetected vision problems, according to the American Optometric Association.

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The goal of this national observance is to help educate parents and educators about the critical link between vision and learning.

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Special request to all the parents and or guardians of our future – Please have their vision check this year.  Thank you.

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References and links:

http://www.covd.org/Home/ChildrensVisionLearningMonth/tabid/67/Default.aspx

http://www.childrensvision.com/development.htm

http://www.childrensvision.com/

"We are limited, not by our abilities, but by our vision."